Partners for Success Monthly Update
April 2024
It's Here! Autism Acceptance Month!
Welcome Back from Spring Break! Here at Partners for Success, we hope your break was filled with relaxing, connecting, and restoring.
Initially, Autism Acceptance Month originated from the neurodiversity movement. The concept was led by the autistic community to celebrate neurological differences and challenge the view of autism as a disorder in need of a cure.
Partners for Success advocates for acceptance of ALL of our differently-abled students and families. Our goal is to partner with you to create Empowerment, Enrichment, and Success. In order to do that, we need a budget that will support your needs.
How can you help support the budget?
By completing the MSDE Special Education Parent Survey.
The survey was mailed during the week of February 12 to every Maryland family receiving special education services.
This yearly survey drives the decision-making for the Family Support Services portion of the Maryland Department of Education annual budget.
- Would you like more trainings about special education issues?
- Do you wish you had more opportunities to learn about the IEP process?
- Would you like more neurodiverse-centered family events?
- Do you need to know about organizations that support families of students with differing abilities?
Then please complete this important survey.
Caregivers are asked to complete the paper survey and mail back in the postage paid envelope by May 24, 2024.
The Survey may also be completed online. To learn more, please visit https://www.mdparentsurvey.com.
What is “Partners for Success”?
Partners for Success centers are available to parents as a resource and information center. Specifically, we provide information about community services, assist families in resolving concerns, and increase parental involvement in the special education decision making process.
Where is Partners for Success Located?
Roye-Williams Elementary School
201 Oakington Road, Havre De Grace, MD 21078.
410-273-5579
e-mail: partners.success@hcps.org.
Office hours are usually Tuesday 9:30-3, and Thursday from 9:30-1:00, by appointment.
Do you have questions about your student's education plan? Could you use some support?
Please remember we are here to help address any needs you have regarding special education and community resources.
PARENT Resources for April
Partners for Success Virtual Workshop
Partners for Success along with the Harford County SECAC will host a virtual workshop on Advocacy. Collaboration. Communication - How to Build Strong School Partnerships.
Presenters will include family members of neurodiverse students and HCPS staff.
This workshop will be on Thursday April 11, 2024.
Please click on the link below to register.
The meeting will open at 6:30pm with general parent discussion and networking. Our presentation will start at 7:10pm. There will be a brief Q&A after the presentation.
Please see the flier below for more information.
Harford County Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee
Come to a Harford County SECAC meeting to…
• Learn how to advocate for your child;
• Attend presentations by outside professionals on topics that affect the special needs student such as Anxiety, IEP Development, Social Skills, Bullying, and Transitioning;
• Network with other parents/guardians and community service providers;
• Meet staff members from the Department of Special Education and other HCPS departments;
• Participate in discussions about how to enhance programming, services, and supports for students with disabilities;
• Provide input at Harford County SECAC Parent Forums on special education-related topics which will be shared with the HCPS Department of Special Education and Board of Education.
If you missed the March 7 meeting COACHING YOUR STUDENT TO THRIVE WITH THEIR ADHD BRAIN and want to watch the recording; please send an email to harfordcountysecac@gmail.com or use the form on our website https://www.harfordsecac.org/home/contact-us.
SECAC NOW HAS A WEBSITE! TO VISIT, CLICK HERE.
Looking for meeting info? Looking for resources? Looking to connect with us? Start with our website. Search it. Make suggestions for additional resources.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR UPCOMING MEETINGS:
Meetings usually occur the first Thursday of the month, September through June from 6:30 to 8:30pm.
This is an exclusive opportunity to listen to a truly valuable perspective.
You don't want to miss this!
The Arc Open House
April 9, 2024 5:30 — 8:00 P.M.
Transitioning Youth (14-21 with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities) and Families are invited to learn about The Arc NCR’s Services. Plan on attending by scanning the QR code or visiting the web address below to RSVP. Event address: 4513 Philadelphia Road, Aberdeen, MD 21001.
Attend and learn about the service offerings below:
• Admissions/DDA Information
• Community Living
• Community Partners
• Employment Services — DDA & DORS Services
• Family Support Services • Personal Supports
The Arc NCR empowers people with differing abilities to live, work and thrive in the community. Our vision is for a world where people with differing abilities lead personally valued lives. Visit the website below for more information and/or to RSVP. www.arcncr.org/openhouse
Join us for the first event of our new Education Night series where we will be talking about what the Dibels Test means for your child! Our educator will be hosting Education Nights monthly via Zoom. Please click on our EventBrite link to register. Here's the link:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/865658968277?aff=oddtdtcreator
Click on the image below to register for the free LIVE webinar offered by ADDitude Magazine
There are more FREE Webinars on ADHD from ADDitude Magazine
Click here to register or receive free recordings!
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
Autism Acceptance Month Miniseries!
Thursday, April 4, 2024 - Thursday, April 25, 2024
Kennedy Krieger Institute’s Center for Autism Services, Science and Innovation (CASSI™, formerly known as the Center for Autism and Related Disorders, or CARD) is pleased to announce the return of our Autism Acceptance Month Miniseries. Each Thursday throughout the month of April, a new virtual session will be released at 12 noon (EST).
Mark your calendars as CASSI is bringing an exciting array of speakers to our April 2024 miniseries. Event participants will hear from parents, self-advocates, educators, clinicians, and other experts in the autism field. These events cater to a diverse audience including autistics, family members, educators, and professionals.
All four sessions are included with your free registration and will be available for on-demand viewing until July 23, 2024. (On-demand viewing is available after the initial launch date for each presentation.)
PRACTICE ASL ON FRIDAY NIGHTS!
FREE SESSIONS PROVIDED BY A NATIVE DEAF INSTRUCTOR
VOCAB **GAMES** TRIVIA.
Beginner Group: ASL 1-2, 7PM EST
Advanced Group: ASL 3+, 7:45PM EST
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1795949673965340/?ref=share_group_link
Upcoming ASBC Virtual Groups
Click the group name to register and receive the email reminders and login information.
An inclusive space for all adults to learn and grow in their understanding
Tuesday, April 30th, 2024, at 7:00pm
With Guest Speaker TBA!
Parent / Caregiver Discussion Group
A supportive environment to meet other parents and share
Tuesday, April 16th, at 7:00pm
Autistic Adult Discussion Group
Every Thursday @ 9:00pm (3rd Thursdays will be in-person starting at 7pm!)
For Autistic Adults (18+) Only
A casual, neurodiverse space to connect and share
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NEW! ASBC is now on Meetup!
The ASBC is now on Meetup! Check us out to get up to date info on our events and connect with other members:
FAMILY EVENTS, SOCIAL GROUPS, and ACTIVITIES
Families of children with special needs–use the library after hours, socialize with other families, and meet representatives from community services. Please register both adults and children attending.
BIKE CAMP is Back!!
Registration is open with limited availability!
Click on the picture to find out more!
Harford County Nature Social Group
There are only a few spaces left so REGISTER TODAY!
Click on the image to find out more!
Does Your Student Have Something Special to Celebrate?
We are excited to announce that Laila's Gift, our organization dedicated to creating magical moments, is now scheduling free birthday and milestone celebrations for children with special needs and disabilities for the entire year of 2024!
Our celebrations are completely complementary and include:
- Venue space: We provide a wonderful venue where your child's party can take place, ensuring a safe and inclusive environment.
- Party decorations: Our team will transform the venue into a magical setting, tailored to your child's preferences and interests.
- Party favors: Each guest will receive special party favors to take home as a memento of the celebration.
- Guest of honor: Your child will be the star of the day, receiving the recognition and love they deserve.
- Gift: We have a surprise gift for your child, carefully chosen to bring them happiness and excitement.
- Celebration entertainment: Our team will organize entertaining activities and games to keep the party filled with joy and laughter.
And much more!
To ensure that we can accommodate as many families as possible, there are limited spots available for each month. Therefore, we encourage you to reach out to us as soon as possible to secure a spot for your child's celebration in 2024.
If you're interested or have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us at celebrate@lailasgift.org or call 443-509-4515.
RESPITE DAYS AT THE ARC!!!
Family Support Services will begin hosting monthly Respite Saturdays from March to May for children ages 6-21 years old. We will provide lunch and fun activities from 12-4 pm, FREE of charge.
Register for our May 11th Respite Day by clicking on the image.
Summer Respite Trips will begin in June and continue through August. Dates and trips are being finalized now. Please email FSS for more information. FSS@arcncr.org
HERE ARE SOME OFFERINGS FROM HARFORD COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION
THERAPEUTIC RECREATION SUMMER CAMP I CAN REGISTRATION IS OPEN NOW!
Click here to find out more and register!
Who is the Down Syndrome Association of Maryland?
The Down Syndrome Association of Maryland - DSAmd (formerly Chesapeake Down Syndrome Parent Group or CDSPG) provides information and support to individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the broader Down syndrome community. We serve families of and persons with Down syndrome by providing information and support. We have office hours at Isaac's aNORAble Homes, Havre de Grace 2nd Mondays 10am-6pm. Click here to download our general brochure. All current and future events can be found here.
Register for these events here:
Isaac's aNORAble Home- Parent Social- Moms
https://cdspg.kindful.com/.../issacs-anorable-home-parent...
Isaac's aNORAble Home- Parent Social- Dads
https://cdspg.kindful.com/.../isaacs-anorable-home-parent...
IEP 101 with Attorney Rosenblatt
Did you know that AMC Theaters offers Sensory Friendly Film Showings? Just click on the image to find out more and reserve tickets!
Sensory Sundays at Chuck E Cheese!
CONTINUE READING ABOUT COMMUNITY SUPPORTS AND SERVICES AVAILABLE YEAR ROUND
Growing on the Spectrum Harford County Monthly Meet Up!
Click on the link for the corresponding group
- Birth to Kindergarten https://www.ppmd.org/.../coffee-and.../2023-02-07/
- Elementary https://www.ppmd.org/.../coffee-and.../2023-02-02/
- Middle and High School https://www.ppmd.org/.../coffee-and.../2023-02-06/
- Behavioral Challenges https://www.ppmd.org/.../coffee-and.../2023-02-08/
- Spanish Speaking Families https://www.ppmd.org/.../cafe-y-conversaciones-2/2023-02-15/
- Professionals https://www.ppmd.org/.../coffee-and.../2023-02-08/
- Bilingual Professionals https://www.ppmd.org/.../coffee-and.../2023-02-15/
Achieving True Self offers Social Skills Groups in the Harford and Baltimore area for ages 2-21 utilizing ABA strategies. Groupings are arranged based on skills and age. All are welcome, regardless of diagnosis. Please email MDSocialSkills@achievingtrueself.com for further information.
What is DDA?
Do you have a teen? Is it time to help them plan for the future?
Maryland Department of Disabilities Transitions provides resources, information, and tools to help teens, families, schools, and communities to prepare teens with disabilities for future possibilities.
Here is a link to the MD PROMISE Transition Resource Guide, a resource for families and youth with disabilities transitioning to adulthood.
Parent Academy
Find an HCPS 23-24 accessible calendar here.
Time to Unplug and Connect with Nature!
Click this link Anita C. Leight Estuary Center to find out about upcoming family events in Abingdon!
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN SCOUTING?
Activities include BSA rank advancement, scout skills, cooking, camping, hiking and having fun. The troop welcomes any male 11 and older and with a diagnosed special need.
There is NO maximum age limit. Adults with special needs are welcome.
There is NO COST for registration or activities thanks to the generosity of Aberdeen Rotary, Bel Air Lions, Churchville Ruritan, St Mark's Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, American Legion, and other donations.
Charter Organization - Aberdeen Rotary
John S. Karas email - Charter Organization Rep
For more information, please contact Gary Nasuta, Scoutmaster, email or call or Maria Joesten, Committee Chairperson, email or call 410-775-3225.
IEP RESOURCES
New Parent Information Series from the MSDE
Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) is proud to produce a new Parent Education Series focusing on Special Education. The four-part series focuses on Special Education Process, Parental Rights, Understanding the IEP, and Secondary Transition. An additional guide on the Alternate Education Framework was recently added and there are plans for further topics.
These are great resources with a lot of information for families. To explore all the publications, click here. If you need these guides translated to another language, just use the drop down menu in the upper right corner titled Translate. Be sure to bookmark for future reference!
IEP Resources from Parents' Place of MD
Resources from the Parents' Place of MD:
- Looking for information about evaluations? "Your Child's Evaluation" from the Center for Parent Information and Resources is super helpful and easy to read!
- Read to learn the purpose of evaluation, who is involved in evaluation, deciding if your child is eligible, developing your child's education program, and more!
- Don't know where to start with requesting accommodations and/or modifications for your child's IEP plan? Check out this list of common requests in our handy resource.
SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM HARFORD COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISABILITY SUPPORT
Are you prepared for the differences between HS and College? Here are two differences:
1. Some students may not know that there are no course modifications in college courses. Harford will not provide modifications to change the course content or performance expectations that would substantially alter the essential elements of the course. Students with disabilities are expected to demonstrate the same level of understanding of course material and meet the same minimum skill performance standards as all other students in the college class.
2. In high school, the IEP team plays a key role in providing recommendations and documentation for requested accommodations. Decisions about the accommodations provided in college classes will be determined by the college. High school IEP’s and 504 plans are not applied at the college level. The accommodations identified as reasonable, that provide equal access to course material according to the disability diagnosed and supporting documentation are applied. Consequently, students are encouraged to meet with the HCC Disability and Student Intervention Services (DSIS) before beginning the college courses in order to determine what reasonable accommodations will apply and what additional student support resources are available to all students. Students who wish to obtain accommodations for their classes must follow Disability and Student Intervention Services procedures. If the student needs more support, they should contact the High School Dual Enrollment Liaison to determine supplemental services for remediation.
If you have any questions, please contact HCC by sending an email to disabilitysupport@harford.edu or by phone at 443-412-2402.
*Click the attachment below to view the electronic guide for prospective students.
Maryland Department of Disabilities Assistive Technology Program
The Department of Disabilities, Assistive Technology Program (MDTAP) enhances the lives of all Marylanders with disabilities, older Marylanders, and their families by providing access to assistive technology (AT) devices and services.
Take a look at their news brief on Guidance on AT in the IEP Process by clicking here.
For more information, visit us at www.mdtap.org or email MDTAP.General@maryland.gov.
AT Solutions for Learning Disabilities
Tuesday, April 16, 2024
11am - 12:30pm
Join us as we explore a variety of tech ideas to help with a range of learning disabilities. From theory to practice, we'll consider a variety of technology solutions that support student learning in and out of the classroom. Hosted by Lori Berrong, ATACP, MDTAP Executive Director.
Funding Adapted (and non adapted) Vehicles
Tuesday, May 15, 2024
1pm - 2pm
From in-state to national funding resources, drivers training courses to understanding insurance, we'll cover all the basics to help consumers make the most informed decisions when it comes to needing and buying an adapted vehicle, from start to finish. Hosted by staff of the AT Financial Loan Program, Heather Ferguson and Sarah Calhoun.
AT for Free: Reuse Programs across the State
Tuesday, June 12, 2024
11am - Noon
Join us as we share information on the Maryland High Tech AT Reuse Program, the online equipment exchange site, and many other resources across the state to access free and low cost AT and durable medical equipment. Hosted by Shawn Bateman, AT Reuse Coordinator with MDTAP.
HARFORD COUNTY OFFICE ON DISABILITIES
Take a look at the Fall episode of Ability in Focus. You can learn more about WE ROCK ON WHEELS, Bel Air Terps Cheerabilities, as well as the Annual Employment Luncheon where Student Workers of the year (Sofia Tumminello and Joshua Gaskins from Future Links and Jaleal Fitzgerald From EHS) were presented awards!
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
COMMUNITY RESOURCES AND INFORMATION
Local Moms Support Group Welcomes You!
Click here for information on Fallston MOPS/MomsNext. Come find your "mom tribe!"
The Sharing Table
The Sharing Table provides a free meal every Saturday to anyone in need. This meal provides nourishment for senior citizens, families with children, and anyone having a hard time making it through the month. There are no requirements and no qualifications. All in need of a good meal are welcome. Each family that visits the Sharing Table also receives a bag of groceries to take home.